Eriksen has been serving as the director of the Technology and Innovation Department (TID) since June 2018, evolving the department from that of a “traditional service provider into a strategic partner supporting departments citywide,” according to a news release from the city of Long Beach. Her final day with Long Beach will be April 3. The city has not yet named an interim TID director.
“Lea’s leadership has positioned Long Beach as a national model for digital equity and technology-driven public service,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. “Her vision and strategic focus have strengthened our technology infrastructure and improved how we deliver services to the community.”
In addition to overseeing an $80 million technology modernization program, Eriksen has been passionate about some of Long Beach’s more community-centered programs like the Digital Inclusion Initiative, LB Co-Lab and the Digital Rights platform.
“There are so many things I’m proud of,” Eriksen told Government Technology Wednesday as she was boarding a plane for a vacation, calling attention to strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing technology infrastructure, expanding digital equity and access, responsibly exploring emerging technology, and nurturing a culture rooted in innovation and service.
“I am deeply proud of the work our team has accomplished together in building a connected, secure and future-ready Long Beach,” Eriksen said in a statement. “Long Beach is my home, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to help shape its future.”
In Culver City, which is about 25 miles from Long Beach, Eriksen will serve as senior assistant city manager, overseeing the city’s infrastructure and innovation projects. Her first day there will be April 6.
“I worked with Lea when she served as budget director in Cincinnati and saw firsthand her ability to manage the Capital Improvement Program process and align resources with organizational priorities,” City Manager Odis Jones said in a statement.
Eriksen will oversee key city executives including the chief information officer, chief transportation officer, public works director/city engineer, and the planning and development director, according to a Culver City news release.
Eriksen, named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of 2022, is vice chair of Innovate@UCLA, which links Southern California technologists with industry and academia. She has served on the board of Long Beach Transit and been a part of committees of the International City/County Management Association and the Urban Land Institute.
